As the situation with COVID-19 rapidly evolves, RTC will be offering insights and information about ways to be physically active and well during this time of social distancing. We will also be sharing details about what trail managers are doing to keep communities safe and perspectives on the long-term impacts of the illness on the trails movement and the communities we all serve.

Now, more than ever before, it is evident that the outdoors are vital to our wellbeing. Yet, it is painfully clear how inequitable access is to trails and the outdoors in our country. We believe that every single person deserves access to the outdoors—free, safe places where we can walk, bike and be active together.

Access to trails and the outdoors is a privilege. When black and brown people aren’t able to get outside safely—without fear of violence—historical social injustices are deepened and systemic racism reinforced.

At RTC, we take seriously the responsibility and opportunity to create valued community space that connects people. We are committed to better understanding and addressing current and historical inequities that impact who has access to safe, outside spaces and trails.

We know the transformative power of trails to create joyful, vibrant public spaces that are equitable and inclusive. That potential cannot be realized unless we stand against racism together. —Ryan Chao, President

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors to build healthier places for healthier people.

Sign our petitioncalling on the nation’s mayors, county officials and local elected leaders to take immediate action, closing select streets to create safe places for walking and biking for all Americans during the COVID-19 public health crisis—essentially providing a trail in every neighborhood in America.

The Great American Rail-Trail promises an all-new American experience. Through 12 states and the District of Columbia, the trail will directly serve nearly 50 million people within 50 miles of the route. Consider the economic opportunities and the benefits for communities along the route of a multiuse trail that stretches more than 3,700 miles between Washington and Washington.

TrailLink by RTC and Google Maps

We started working with Google Maps back in 2006 to help us publish all our interactive maps on our website, TrailLink.com.TrailLinkis RTC's trail-finder website and companion TrailLink mobile apps, mapping over 36,000+ miles of multiuse trails.